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AILA Applauds Efforts to Honor Contributions of Immigrant Soldiers

AILA Doc No. 03060540 | Dated June 5, 2003

American Immigration Lawyers Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Judith Golubjgolub@aila.org
(202) 216-2403

June 5, 2003

Honoring the Contributions of Our Immigrant Soldiers

Washington, DC – The House and Senate yesterday both voted overwhelmingly in
support of bills that recognize the contributions made by immigrants in our
nation’s military. Recognizing not only the contributions of these
individuals, but the sacrifices of their families, as well, both bills reduce
the number of years required for legal permanent residents serving in the
military during peacetime to become citizens, and make family members of fallen
soldiers eligible for immigration benefits.

“It is important that we recognize and honor the contributions of our
immigrant soldiers,” stated Jack Pinnix, President of the American Immigration
Lawyers Association (AILA). “Throughout American history, immigrants have
defended America. They fight to preserve the rights and liberties
that led them to adopt our country as their own,” continued Pinnix.”

“The war in Iraq underscores an important reality: Not only do
immigrants contribute to our economy, our culture, and our social fabric, they
also put their lives on the line for America. We applaud Senators Harry Reid
(D-NV) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Representatives Hilda Solis (D-CA), and
Martin Frost (D-TX) for drawing our attention to the issue and sharpening our
focus on the contributions that immigrants make to our nation,” said Pinnix.

Differences between the two bills will be resolved when Members of the House
and Senate meet in conference. “We hope the measure that comes out of
conference reflects the Senate bill’s more comprehensive benefits to the family
members of fallen soldiers, and drops a provision in the House bill that would
revoke citizenship,” concluded Pinnix.

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Founded in 1946, AILA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization
that provides its Members with continuing legal education, information, and
professional services. AILA advocates before Congress and the Administration and
provides liaison with the INS and other government agencies. AILA is an
Affiliated Organization of the American Bar Association.